Renowned Nigerian filmmaker and cultural advocate, Kunle Afolayan, has been named Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year at the recently concluded International Tourism Investment Summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The summit, tagged #ITSOyoState2025, ran from July 22 to 24 and brought together key players in the tourism, hospitality, and investment sectors. Afolayan received the prestigious award during the Governor’s Dinner and Tourism Awards Night — a highlight of the three-day event.
Recognising Innovation in Cultural Tourism
The award celebrates Afolayan’s visionary work in establishing the KAP Film Village & Resort, located in the serene town of Igbojaye, Oyo State. The resort has quickly gained prominence as a unique hub that merges film, tourism, and African cultural heritage.
Afolayan’s initiative, which fuses hospitality, nature, and storytelling, has not only become a magnet for creatives and tourists alike but also an emblem of cultural pride. The KAP Film Village offers an immersive experience that showcases African identity through architecture, film production, and curated visitor engagement.
Building a Cultural Ecosystem
As the founder, Afolayan has positioned the resort as more than just a film location. It serves as a growing ecosystem where tradition meets innovation, and where Nigeria’s cultural narratives are preserved and shared with local and international audiences.
In a statement from his management team, Afolayan expressed heartfelt appreciation for the recognition:
“We’re truly grateful for this recognition. It’s not just about one man’s dream. It’s about a team that continues to work with passion to build something lasting.”
Institutional Support and Acknowledgement
Afolayan also extended his gratitude to the leadership of Oyo State for their continuous support, including Governor Seyi Makinde, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, and Akinwale Akinwole, Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission. Acknowledgements were also given to Tola Akerele, CEO of the National Theatre, and the Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy for their roles in encouraging creative and tourism-related ventures.
Looking ahead, Afolayan sees the award not as a destination, but as renewed motivation:
“This award is not the end; it’s fuel to keep going, to keep dreaming, and to keep building something that makes Nigeria proud.”
With the KAP Film Village & Resort gaining traction both locally and internationally, Afolayan’s vision continues to redefine how tourism and storytelling can serve as vehicles for cultural celebration and economic development.